I am a California native, born and raised in Sunnyvale. While growing up, our family was heavily involved in rescue. My home was always the one people brought stray animals to because they knew we would happily care for them. I grew up bottle raising kittens, always understanding the importance of proper care and love. For 18 years I helped run our family pet supply store in Sunnyvale, For Other Living Things. During that time we were a neighborhood resource where people came for advice they knew they could trust. Through the store I worked with many different types of animals, grew my knowledge of dog training and pet care, and really solidified my commitment to fear-free interactions and giving animals choices in their day to day lives. In 2018 I moved to Louisville, Kentucky with my husband and our two dogs. While there I spent 5 years working at the Kentucky Humane Society where I learned so much more about fear-free animal handling, behavior, and how to help animals through trauma. I have a strong interest in helping animals with behavior challenges, animals that are fearful or shut down, or jumpy/mouthy teenage dogs. I have a strong desire to help people whose pets may have a few challenges. I know personally this can make finding a dog walker or caretaker you can trust quite difficult. Over the years I have lived with dogs that resource guard, are reactive to strangers or other dogs on leash, fearful dogs, and even dogs who live in the same home and don’t get along. I understand the difficulties (and importance) of keeping the animals safe, reducing stress, and helping to eliminate or avoid triggers for these behaviors. I am Fear Free Certified, licensed and bonded. I will treat you, your pet(s), and your home with care and respect. As part of my commitment to a Fear Free experience for your pet, I don’t use choke chains, pinch collars, or other aversive devices when working with your dog or cat. If these are tools you currently use, I’m happy to discuss alternatives for our walks!